NCT00250510

Reimbursement Effects on Enrollment in Obesity Treatment

A Prospective Study to Determine the Effects of a Reimbursement Incentive on Enrollment and Outcomes in a Community Weight Control Program.

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 401 (actual)
• Sponsor: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) · NIH
• Sex: All
• Age: 19 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to simulate what would occur if insurance reimbursement became available for obesity treatment but required that the individual meet defined performance milestones.

Detailed description

This is a prospective study to determine whether a reimbursement incentive (the prospect of reimbursement of half of the out-of-pocket fee for participation in the UAB EatRight Weight Management Program, when it is contingent upon consistent Program participation and loss of 6% of initial body weight) is associated with (1) a higher rate of Program enrollment and (2) greater percent weight loss, greater reductions in medication dosages and costs, and fewer visits to health care providers after 12 weeks and 9 months.

Conditions

• Obesity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Simulated insurance reimbursement	Participants were told they would have the possibility of being reimbursed 50% ($150) of their initial fee ($300) if they: 1) paid the fee in advance or committed 3 monthly payments in advance, 2) attended 10 of 12 class sessions, and 3) lost at least 6% of their current body weight during the program.

Timeline

• Start date: 2004-06-01
• Completion: 2006-12-01
• First posted: 2005-11-08
• Last updated: 2010-03-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States